What Makes a Good Chess Set

Chess is more than just a game; it’s a timeless tradition, a mental challenge, and a beautiful art form all rolled into one. Whether you're a casual player, a budding enthusiast, or a seasoned grandmaster, the new chess set you choose can significantly enhance your playing experience.

There is a rich chess history spanning centuries, and the right set can connect you to this tradition. But with so many options available, how do you know what makes that chess set ideal for you? In this article, we'll explore the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect set, ensuring that it meets your needs and stands the test of time.

1. Quality of Materials: The Foundation of Durability

The materials used in a chess set are vital in its durability, feel, and overall aesthetic. High-quality woods such as walnut, wenge, and maple are often favored for their natural beauty and resilience. 

Wooden chess sets have a classic appeal and can range from simple to intricately carved designs, making them suitable for both casual play and display.

For those who prefer a more modern or travel-friendly option, solid plastic ones and weighted pieces offer durability and ease of use. Plastic chess sets, especially those plastic pieces with extra weight for chess clubs, provide a great balance of cost and functionality, making them ideal for beginners and educational settings.

On the other hand, wood, stone, or metal sets add a luxurious touch and can be a statement piece in any home. Some of the great sets we've seen, like those made of beautifully crafted wood, stand out for their aesthetics.

At Chess House, our Heirloom Championship Chess Set is a prime example of a set that combines superior quality, durable materials with good design, offering both durability and elegance for new and experienced players alike.

The foundation of any chess set is the chess board. Starting with the right chess board can provide a lot of satisfaction, as you can alternate various chess piece styles that have different forms and functions. Make sure to match the square size of your board with appropriately sized pieces.

A good example of high-quality chess boards with both premium aesthetics and outstanding playability at home are the 21” JLP Players Chess Boards. In contrast, a highly economical and versatile board is the unique Flex Pad Chess Board, which can be paired with plastic and wooden pieces. The benefits here are portability and personalization.

2. Craftsmanship: The Art of Chess Set Design

Craftsmanship is another key factor to consider when choosing a chess set. Each piece's detail, balance, and finish contribute to the overall playing experience. Well-crafted chess pieces should have a smooth finish, balanced weight, and attention to detail that reflect the set’s motif. The design should be uniform, with every piece, from the pawn to the king, showcasing the same artistry.

A well-crafted set not only enhances gameplay: it also adds a touch of sophistication to your space. Whether you’re looking for particular themed sets to display on your coffee table or one to bring out during special occasions, the craftsmanship should evoke amazement from onlookers or visitors who might wish to play.

One of our favorite examples of the Art of Design is the STACK chess board made of walnut and maple hardwoods and completed with a suede wrap cover. 

Chess House’s Heirloom “Burnt” Style Wooden Chess Set shows off Indian craftsmanship in a wooden set. You’ll soon find, however, that the extensive variety of hand-carved wooden chess pieces is a collector’s dream, offering an endless range of styles. Some other sets you may want to consider might focus on matching such themes with the board design.

The Wooden Chess and Checkers Set is a perfect example of a wooden chess set in a classic design with medium details that will be highly functional for players at home.

3. Size and Portability: Finding the Suitable Fit

When selecting a chess set, it’s essential to consider where and how you plan to use it. The size of the board and pieces can significantly impact your playing experience. 

For instance, if you’re a frequent traveler or like to play chess on the go, a smaller board such as these folding sets would be your best option. Such a portable set is designed for travel without sacrificing quality, ensuring you can enjoy a match wherever you are. These folding sets provide a convenient solution for players who want to easily store their board when not in use or take it on the road without hassle.

The unique Milled Leather Chess Set is ideal for those who love to take their game on the road, on camping trips, or to other destinations. It offers convenience and quality in a compact, soft and attractive case.

Conversely, if the set is primarily for home use, you might prefer a larger board with full-sized pieces. A full-sized set not only enhances the playing experience but also makes a beautiful addition to your home décor. Many enthusiasts have begun leaning toward chess sets that have a customized or themed look when displayed indoors.

For the home, consider marble, wood with storage, metal, or unique chess sets as a starting point. You could also consider themed sets focusing on particular historical periods or characters.

4. Chess Board and Piece Compatibility: Ensuring Smooth Gameplay

A good chess set is one where the board and chess pieces are compatible in size and proportion. The squares on the board should comfortably accommodate the pieces, especially the base of the king, without making the board feel cramped. This balance ensures a more enjoyable and visually appealing game.

When the board and pieces are well-matched, the flow of the game is smoother, and the overall experience is more satisfying. For players who enjoy long, strategic games, having a board that complements the pieces in size and style is crucial. The Championship Chess Set and Board Combination offers the perfect balance, providing a seamless playing experience that both beginners and experts will appreciate.

We are often asked how to pair chess pieces with a particular board. There is a standard sizing guide that the base of the largest chess piece (usually the King) diameter should be no larger than 78% of the square size. To know whether your chess pieces will fit a particular board suitably, divide the base diameter by .78, and you’ll have the average recommended size of the chess board’s playing squares.

Below is a table to help you choose the correct square size on the chessboard for piece sizes:

Chess Board Square Size (inches)	Maximum King Base Diameter (inches)	Recommended for
1.5”	1.17”	Travel Sets, Small Tables
1.75”	1.37”	Compact Sets, Casual Use
2.0”	1.56”	Club and Tournament Play
2.25”	1.75”	Full-Size Home Sets
2.5”	1.95”	Large Display Sets

This guideline is more technical than most of you need. The rule of thumb when sizing chess pieces is the visual and functional check. Does it look too crowded or too sparse for your personal taste? Or do the pieces sit so close that they cannot be easily moved? It can be that simple.

5. Aesthetic Appeal: The Beauty of the Game

While functionality is key, the aesthetic appeal of a chess set should not be overlooked. A beautiful wooden chess set can be a conversation starter, a statement piece in your home, or a thoughtful gift for a chess enthusiast. Whether you prefer a traditional look with classic Staunton pieces or a more modern, artistic design, there’s a chess set out there that reflects your personal style.

The aesthetic appeal of a chess set goes beyond just looks; it’s about how the set makes you feel when you play. A well-designed chess set can inspire you, elevate your playing experience, and even bring a sense of pride when displayed in your home. At Chess House, we offer a wide range of chess sets to suit every taste, from timeless wooden sets to contemporary designs.

6. Customization Options: Making Chess Sets Personal

Customization options can make all the difference for those looking to add a personal touch to their chess set. Personalized chess sets can turn a regular chess set into a cherished keepsake, whether through engraved boards, custom pieces, or unique designs. Customization makes the set truly yours, whether you’re buying it for yourself or as a gift.

One of the easiest ways to create a customized chess set experience is to get a colorful Custom Flex Pad chess board with your own design. Whether you want to make the design yourself online using our guided process or have our team design it for you with your artwork, it will be the perfect chess board that reflects your personality and style.

7. Price vs. Value: Investing in Your Chess Experience

While going for the cheapest option is tempting, investing in a quality chess set often pays off in the long run. A well-made chess set is worth its price, lasts longer, and enhances your playing experience. When considering the price, consider how often you’ll use the set, where you’ll be playing, and what you want out of the game.

At Chess House, we create and curate only the best chess sets that provide great value for your money. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an affordable starter set, a seasoned player seeking a high-end, luxurious set, or a collector searching for themed boards to display on your coffee table, we have something for every budget.

Bonus: Chess Pieces’ Quality Deserves an Extra Mention

With so many online sources for chess sets, it can be tough to know who to trust. One reason Chess House stands out as a great source for chess sets is our unrelenting commitment to quality. That might sound trite, but there are endless junk products on the market, creating a total landmine scenario for shoppers.

There are countless producers of chess sets. However, only about 15% produce excellent quality in all price ranges. Over the past 25+ years, we have learned which chess sets are good quality and which, in a side-by-side comparison, would absolutely be disappointing.

Just one example: plastic chess pieces for a chess club may all appear similar, but the same piece design can either come out of a tired mold with low-quality recycled plastic or from a reputable source with good molds, higher QC standards, and a real felt base.

Sometimes, one dollar more for the right chess pieces guarantees that kids won’t be breaking them during matches or pulling junk paper felt off the bases of your new chess pieces in the first week.

Chess House doesn’t compromise on quality. If we find that products disappoint us - they will disappoint you. So, we’ve learned over the years what chess pieces and chess sets deliver the best experience. And we deliver them with a friendly touch.

Final Thoughts

A good chess set is one that meets your needs, reflects your style, and enhances your overall chess-playing experience. Whether you’re looking for a set to enjoy casual games at home, to take with you on your travels, or to display as a piece of art (like our Giant Chess Pieces), Chess House has you covered.

Visit our Chess Sets Collection to explore our wide range of options and find the perfect set for you or your loved ones. We’re here to help you make the right choice, ensuring that your chess set brings joy and satisfaction for years to come.

The friendly and experienced team at Chess House is available by phone, chat, or email to provide answers or suggestions for your unique interests.

One of the many reasons people love to source their chess sets from Chess House is the reassurance of available support throughout the years. For example, our replacement chess piece guarantee means you’ll never have to worry about keeping your set intact. If you ever lose any chess pieces or a pet in your home misplaces one—we can help!

That’s why 20,000+ people have rated Chess House as the best online chess store for chess sets and supplies. From chess sets to chess books and more, we have you covered.

To your home!

Raphael Neff

Owner and CEO of Chess House